Any major life change can feel like stepping into the unknown. And transitioning out of the military? Well, that's probably the trickiest career change anyone can go through. It’s no surprise that many service leavers end up following the same old path as everyone else. But doing so can limit your potential and ignore your personal goals, passions, and aspirations.
So let’s make it easier.
Enter the three P’s framework: Purpose, People, and Pounds. One of the Redeployable community members, Luke Parker, shared this with us, and we thought it was so useful that we had to spread the word. Luke transitioned from the Royal Engineers to Google. So, it clearly works. Let’s break it down.
Purpose, People, Pounds.
Purpose: What are you passionate about?
This is all about figuring out what you really want to do and why you want to do it. In the military, purpose is everything. You’ve dedicated your career to a cause bigger than yourself. You’re driven by duty, and it’s reflected in how committed military folk are.
So, when you transition into civilian life, it’s crucial you find a purpose that resonates with you in the same way. For example, Luke’s passion for data led him straight to Google.
"A big part of my job in the geospatial intelligence community was working with data. I fell in love with it so much that I knew I wanted to work in a data-centric company after I left the military," Luke explains.
Google’s mission to organise the world’s information? Right up his alley.
Actions for you:
- Reflect on what excites and motivates you. Is it tech? Education? Healthcare? Sustainability? Or something else? Whatever it is, go after it.
- Identify industries or companies whose missions align with your values and passions.
- Set clear career goals to give yourself direction and motivation.
People: Building your network
Networking. Our favourite word. Honestly, it’s vital to surround yourself with like-minded individuals and build a solid network. In the military, you’ve worked with some of the sharpest minds, all having your back. Now it’s time to build that same level of support in the civilian world. Luke’s got some strong words on this:
"When it comes to people, it’s simple. I worked with some of the smartest people in the British Army, so I wanted to work with the best data engineers in the world. Google was the obvious choice."
Build Your Network:
- Network actively on Redeployable and LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to connect, reach out, and be bold.
- Go to events, join industry groups, and get involved in activations where you can meet people who can help you out.
- Do your research—get to know the industry and roles, so you can have informed conversations.
Pounds: The Numbers Need to Make Sense
Get a solid handle on your financial situation. It’s easy to forget things like gym memberships, clothing, and transport—items that the military may have taken care of for you. This can come as a bit of a shock when you’re out.
Luke recommends getting a good grasp of your financial needs before you leave. And we agree. Speak to friends, family, and peers. Leave no stone unturned and map out what it costs to maintain your lifestyle.
Do the Maths:
- Assess your current financial situation. What do you need to maintain or improve your lifestyle?
- Research salary ranges in your desired industry.
- Consider the full range of benefits offered by potential employers—health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
Bringing It All Together
Using this framework is a great starting point. With this structure, you’ll be able to approach your transition with clarity and confidence. It’ll help you make informed decisions that are right for you. Pivot your career with purpose and direction. You’ll thank yourself later. If you're deep into self-discovery mode, check out this article on Ikigai.
And if you’re not using our AI-driven platform yet, why not? It offers free skills analysis, gap analysis, matched roles, and a personalised resettlement plan—everything you need to navigate your transition with confidence. Try it out today!
.png)
